How to describe your first experience in Betclic Élite (10 pts in 22', 40.9% at 3 pts), at Le Mans, for the moment?
There are ups and downs but it's okay. My role is of course different from the one I had in La Rochelle. I accept it, it's a good experience that will help me improve. When I signed here it was a test for myself, but nothing I'm not prepared to experience. You take it as a new challenge. I just try to adapt and find my place, in the end I flourish. It's just about winning matches and doing the best you can in that role. I must be able to graft on any facet of high level.
Was your match in Monaco (74-86) the strongest moment (16 pts to 4/7 to 3 pts)?
Yes, I also scored 19 points in Strasbourg (88-95), but it's true that it was a big victory in Monaco…
Le Mans, the club, Antarès, what is your new life like?
GOOD ! The room is big [6 000 places, NDLR] and is often full, the fans are great, the city is pleasant. At the club, medicine, physiotherapy and generally all aspects of recovery linked to the game are highlighted. We have a lot of help in this area.
And now you have the family with you…
I have my girlfriend, Barbara, and my two sons (Trae'Jour and Traveon Buchanan Jr) who are there. It sure is reassuring. If I play badly, I think about it. Just knowing that when I come home I see my children's faces, that I hear them, gives me peace of mind. They say “hello” in French, they try to learn a little of the language (smile)… It’s different for them but they like it.
I come from a small town in the United States and a lot of people from where I live have not experienced moments like this”
How are you following the Stade Rochelais Basket season?
I watch their matches, I only missed a few. I'm still in contact with a few guys there: Jubrile (Belo), of course, a little Gaëtan (Clerc), Jérôme (Sanchez)… They are in difficulty at the moment, I don't know, something is missing. I think they're not that far away, maybe they'll find a solution, get a few more wins. But just the fact that they can play at this level this season is a blessing in itself; I am happy to have contributed to it.
This slightly crazy 2023-2024 season, what’s left six months later?
It was a season for the history books, I will never forget it. I can say that I was a champion in my professional career. I know a lot of pros who have played abroad who can't say the same. I come from a small town in the United States, Rock Island, Illinois, near Chicago, and many people from my hometown cannot say that they have experienced moments like this. The public, the La Rochelle environment, it’s something that will stay engraved in me forever. The bonds I've built with guys on the other side of the world, here in France, are bonds to cherish, something major. Which will definitely have a big impact in my life. I have nothing but love and respect for this community, the players, coach Julien (Cortey), the staff. It'll be fun to see these guys and other familiar faces. Emotions will be strong.
